Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk a Success

By Ashley Arnold&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Mon 12:32 PM, Oct 29, 2012&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Mon 2:28 PM, Oct 29, 2012

Thousands showed up at Aaron Bessant Park Saturday morning for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk – one of many events that help spread awareness about a disease that touches so many around the world. This year's MSABC walk saw thousands of participants: survivors, caretakers, and supporters all coming together with the hope of raising awareness about the disease and the importance of early detection.

"20 years ago when our mothers were facing breast cancer, the fighting survival rate was 60 percent,” said Emily Billingsley, M.D. of Bay Radiology, “and today it's over 90 - and a part of that is because we're detecting cancers earlier we're finding them when we can still do something about it."

For many breast cancer survivors, Saturday's event served as a reminder of their walk with breast cancer.

"Finding out the diagnosis was bad because my last child was a senior in high school and my thought was I won't be alive to see her graduate from high school,” said Larvarne Curry, a 17 year breast cancer survivor. “Thank God, that I saw her graduate from college, get married, and have three kids."

Curry says the walk reminded her about how much support she received when faced with something so life-changing.

"It just helps to know that you have someone else on your side and that you're not alone.”

"When we have that many people out here from a young age to the older and they're wearing their pink bra and showing their sign, you know what, I need to get my detection, I need to go in and be checked, and the earlier you detect it, the more likelihood of your survival,” said Michelle Perez, the event organizer.

Last year the event raised over $136,000, this year they set a goal $150,000. With 150 pre-registered teams, organizers believe they may be able to go above and beyond that goal.

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